Click here to apply for this immersive cohort by August 5.
Mason I-Corps NextGen Digital Technology Cohort (Quantum, AI, Cybersecurity, Space, Communications, etc) offers this Immersive NSF Regional Cohort concurrently with the Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026 to assist university and community (start ups with real/deep technology) innovators that want to take their ideas and solutions to market.
This program teaches an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation. Is the idea desirable? Who is the ideal audience? Where do you even start? This cohort is here to help answer those questions. Centered around customer discovery and Lean Launch methodology, you will determine if your idea solves a need and for whom.
The program provides a hands-on learning experience on how to begin to successfully nurture a fledgling idea into a more viable and implementable potential solution that benefits society.
This program is not just about the content; it focuses on talking to customers and testing hypotheses about the value behind your idea and the potential venture you could launch in the future to provide your solution to the market.
Who Can Attend?
Faculty, researchers, postdocs, students, and staff from all universities, as well as community-based startups, with real technology aligned with quantum, AI, or next-generation technology.
Schedule:
Intro Call (Virtual) - Monday, Aug. 24, 6-8 PM ET
Session 1 (Virtual) - Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 2 (Virtual) - Thursday, Sept. 3, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 3 (Virtual) - Thursday, Sept.10, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Session 4A (In person, QWC) - Sept. 24, 9 AM-10:30 AM ET
Session 4B (In person, QWC) - Sept. 25, 9 AM-10:30 AM ET
Session 5 (Virtual) - Thursday, Oct. 1, 9 AM-12 PM ET
Quantum World Congress Location for Sept. 23 & 24:
The Hotel at the University of Maryland | 7777 Baltimore Ave College Park, MD 20740
Cost/Session:
The I-Corps training is at no cost for all participating teams. The Mid-South I-Corps Hub will cover Quantum World Congress registration fees and travel expenses, including a meal stipend, for one member from each team to attend Quantum World Congress 2026.
QWC REGISTRATION (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)
First, register for the I-Corps NextGen Digital Technology Cohort. Conference registration details for Quantum World Congress 2026 will be shared with teams upon acceptance into the cohort.
Instructor:
Michael Abbottis a seasoned investor and innovation strategist with 30+ years of experience turning ideas into revenue. He has worked with over 4,500 tech teams—from startups to Fortune 500s— driving growth through data-driven innovation. A serial entrepreneur, he’s been an equity partner in 17 +businesses and led the development of 250+ products. Mike is a nationally recognized I-Corps Program Instructor and expert in technology commercialization.
About Quantum World Congress:
Quantum World Congress is the premier global quantum conference – connecting the world’s quantum ecosystem, including the brightest researchers, innovators, technology developers, legislators, and industry experts – to accelerate the value of the growing quantum industry. Contact us to register for QWC 2026 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, College Park, from September 23rd through 25th.
Learn more at quantumworldcongress.com.